The Justice Department issued a report that does not confirm Trump's wiretapping claims

Actions

0

Actions

0

March 17, 2017 08:57 AM EDT

WATCH | President Trump and Chancellor Merkel delivered remarks at a joint press conference at the White House

UPDATE 8:41pm:

The Justice Department said it had compiled with congressional requests for information related to any type of surveillance during the 2016 election. Two government officials told CNN Friday evening that the classified report delivered to the House and Senate investigators doesn't confirm President Trump's accusations that President Obama had wiretapped him.

"The Department of Justice has complied with the request from leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees and Judiciary Committees seeking information related to surveillance during the 2016 election," Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Friday.

Intelligence chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., said the Select Committee on Intelligence Committee is "satisfied" with the conclusion reached by the Department of Justice regarding surveillance of Trump and/or his associates during the 2016 election.

The statement continued, "The Committee still has not received information requested from the CIA and FBI in our March 15 letter that is necessary to determine whether information collected on U.S. persons was mishandled and leaked. However, the NSA has partially met our request and has committed to fully meet our request by the end of next week.”

UPDATE 3:56pm: Fox News anchor Shepard Smith said that Fox News "cannot confirm Judge Napolitano's commentary," referring to claims he made that President Obama had ordered wiretaps on Trump Tower's phones during the election.

"Three intelligence sources have informed Fox News that President Obama went outside the chain of command," Napolitano said on March 14. "He didn't use the NSA, he didn't use the CIA, he didn't use the FBI, and he didn't use the Department of Justice."

Instead, Napolitano said that Obama had requited the British spy agency to help with the surveillance.

On Friday, the British GCHQ responded with a statement: “Recent allegations made by media commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano about GCHQ being asked to conduct 'wire tapping' against the then President Elect are nonsense. They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored.”

When a question about Napolitano's comment surfaced during the joint press conference, Trump said, "you shouldn't be talking to me, you should be talking to Fox News."

UPDATE 2:38pm:

Trump and Merkel shared a handshake following the conclusion of the joint presser. This brief moment of comradery came after what appeared to be an awkward moment earlier in the Oval Office. Merkel asked Trump if he would like to shake hands, the request went unanswered.

The Justice Department issued a report that does not confirm Trump's wiretapping claims

UPDATE 2:33pm:

When asked by a German reporter if he regrets any of the Tweets he sends out, Trump said, "very seldom."

He was also pressed about the recent news that the White House had assured British Prime Minister Theresa May that the administration wouldn't repeat claims that Britain's GCHQ spy agency had helped President Obama eavesdrop on the 45th-commander-in-chief.

On the issue, Trump told the reporter he should direct those questions to the lawyer on Fox News, which is where the information originated.

UPDATE 2:28pm:

"I think we have a very unified party," Trump said of the GOP. He said just today he converted 12 votes to "yes" on the GOP health care plan.

Moving to the topic of trade, Trump said, "With trade on Germany, I think we’re going to do fantastically well,” he said. “All I want is fairness. Germany has done very well in its trade deals with the United States.”

Merkel said she was encouraged by the United States' continued support of the missions in Afghanistan and to combat global terrorism.

"There are a number of issues that we will continue to cooperate closely," she said.

UPDATE 2:10pm:

President Trump and Chancellor Angela Merkel have taken their places at their respective podiums at the White House. The 45th commander-in-chief began his remarks by thanking the chancellor for supporting NATO and the country's efforts in Afghanistan.

He further added that the two country's exhibit shared values, such as cherishing individual rights, upholding the rule of law, and seeking peace among nations.

President Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will have their first face-to-face at the White House on Friday.

It is expected to be an interesting meeting after Trump after spent much of 2016 bashing Merkel, accusing her of "ruining" Germany by allowing an influx of refugees from Syria.

The two leaders will reportedly discuss the NATO alliance and terrorism.

The New York Times Opinion page poked fun at the meeting in this cartoon.

Trump's first encounter with Merkel will be aimed at building a personal rapport with a European partner who was among former President Barack Obama's strongest allies and international confidantes, according to White House officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity despite the president's recent criticism of anonymous sources.

"The president looks forward to meeting with the chancellor and discussing areas of shared national interest," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said.

I told you @TIME Magazine would never pick me as person of the year despite being the big favorite They picked person who is ruining Germany

The meeting with Merkel will also allow Trump to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. Pence and other US officials have said Russia must adhere to a 2015 deal to end fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

White House officials said Trump was eager to hear Merkel's views on her interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.